Police have arrested a man in Scotland in connection with the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr.

Officers have also seized a major arms haul in Coalisland, east Tyrone, described as the "most significant in recent years".

Police said the 26-year-old man arrested in Scotland is being held in connection with the find which includes Kalashnikov rifles, rocket launcher components and explosives.

Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris revealed details of the arrest and the arms find at a police press conference in Belfast.

He said: "Detectives from Serious Crime Branch who are investigating Ronan's murder have made a significant discovery of arms and munitions - one of the most significant in recent years. It was made in Coalisland last night.

"Within the last two hours a man has been arrested in Dunbartonshire in Scotland in connection with the find of weapons at Coalisland.

"This 26-year-old suspect is being brought back to Northern Ireland for questioning.

He added: "The arms discovery was made in Coalisland last night and will form lines of inquiry into Ronan's murder and into dissident activity generally.

"The seizure was made in a garage unit on the Mountjoy Road.

"Inside the unit police officers uncovered a number of stolen vehicles and inside those vehicles a significant amount of arms and munitions.

"The haul included: four rifles, ammunition, timer power units, detonators, incendiary bombs, components for rocket launchers and other explosive devices, and a quantity of explosives, possibly Semtex.

"This investigation into Ronan's murder will continue in the coming days and weeks with the same determination and professionalism which resulted in last night's discovery.

"Everyone in our country is much safer today because these munitions have been taken out of circulation.

"They will now be forensically examined and provide new lines of inquiry for our investigators."

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "Strathclyde Police can confirm that a 26-year-old male was arrested at approximately 1.10pm on Main Street, Renton, Dunbartonshire.

"This arrest was made by Strathclyde Police officers in relation to an ongoing investigation led by the Police Service of Northern Ireland."

Pc Kerr, 25, was killed when a booby-trap bomb exploded under his car in Omagh, Co Tyrone, on Saturday.

News of the police breakthrough emerged after nationalist leaders joined police in a symbolic show of unity at the Catholic police officer's funeral in the village of Beragh, County Tyrone.

The murder has been blamed on dissident republicans opposed to the peace process.